I've been trying to get my head around writing an annual update on the widows (AdoptA Co-Op) project; a task made more difficult since the 1st October. Where do you start? Rather the reporting on the project and the ladies well-being, which would have been a simple task, I find I'm stuck for words.
With the third anniversary looming, we were fully aware that memories of that night in Oct 2002 would be foremost in their minds. And now? Well, obviously, recent events have compounded their grief; a grief that we all are feeling in some way.
But these ladies are now relatively strong, and they will move on, once again.
A refreshing thought though, is that during a discussion with a few of the crew last week, the subject of more widows/ers came up, and the AdoptA crew feel they might be able to offer some emotional support for the families who lost someone this time around.
I of course agreed that this was a good idea, as the AdoptA crew have survived the last three years, have been moving ahead in leaps and bounds, and by sharing their experiences they may help in the healing process. They may even be able to take some recent victims under their wings, by offering them a role at the Co-Op.
Of course, this could only happen if their cottage industry has enough business to cater for more staff, which requires visitors to continue to support their endeavours.
They don't ask for donations, and we don't encourage donations; the crew are fully aware of the amount of tragedy on planet Earth of late, and know that sponsors have a multitude of causes to support. They do ask though, that you drop in to say hello when you're in Bali and purchase some product.
Even more appreciated would be a bulk order or two, so if you have a company or group that requires T-shirts etc. don't hesitate to ask for a quote.
On the retail side of things, the shop in Gang Ronti has closed as it really wasn't in an easy to find location and used up too many resources. We are providing them with a new outlet in the very near future. The premises will be at the Candi Kuning (Bedugal) markets, next door to Crackers Bar & Grill, which opens on Friday 21st October. While it may seem a strange location, these markets are well known and quite busy, so we are hoping that this move may help to grow the business.
Please help us to keep the ladies busy.
Thanks.
David & Moira